Wright loses on points in fiercely contested bout

Crook's Nigel Wright failed in his bid to add the British light-welterweight title to his English 10st belt when he lost on points to fellow former ABA champion Lenny Daws at York Hall, Bethnal Green last night.

Crook's Nigel Wright failed in his bid to add the British light-welterweight title to his English 10st belt when he lost on points to fellow former ABA champion Lenny Daws at York Hall, Bethnal Green last night.

Unbeaten Daws, from Morden, took the decision 117-111 on all three scorecards after a fiercely contested bout, extending his winning record to 14 fights as a professional in the process.

Daws secured the title vacated by Bradford's Junior Witter after he was named as mandatory challenger for the WBC world title.

The 2002 ABA light-welterweight champion recovered from a slow start to out-work Bishop Auckland-born Wright, national amateur champion at the same weight in 1998 and 2000.

Daws, 27, had taken a big step up in class when he forced former European title challenger Colin Lynes, who had taken Witter the full 12 rounds, to retire after nine rounds of their final eliminator at the same venue in January. He maintained the momentum against 26-year-old Wright, who lost for the second time in 17 fights.

Roared on by his `Morden massive' fan club, Daws had to show all his resolve as Wright forced the pace early on.

Daws was suffering a swelling under his left eye as he returned to his corner at the end of the first round and a spearing jab, followed by a solid left, stopped him in his tracks in the second.

But the durable, super-fit Daws dug in and Wright was showing damage under his right eye by the end of the third. As the war of attrition continued, Daws kept up the pressure and edged the majority of the crucial middle rounds.

Wright tried to launch a late rally in the 11th round but Dawes was equal to the task and refused, doggedly, to relinquish his advantage.

Daws said: "Unbelievable! Great respect to Nigel. I felt it was scrappy early on but I felt happier the longer it went on. I just keep going and it's a dream come true."